Man arrested over 'repulsive' act during US riot
A Trump supporter who went viral after he was pictured with his feet on the desk of a prominent Congress woman during a riot is facing 12 months behind bars.
The man was one of thousands who raided the US Capitol as Congress certified the result of the 2020 US election won by Joe Biden.
He was pictured with his feet on the desk of Nancy Pelosi – a Democrat and Speaker of the House of Representatives.
The man has been named by numerous publications as Richard Barnett, 60, from the US state of Arkansas.
Barnett was also pictured holding an envelope from Pelosi’s office addressed to her. It’s alleged he stole it.
He told the The Times he left her a “nasty note” but paid for the letter by leaving her 25c.
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The FBI told ABC 7 Barnett has been charged with entering a restricted building, violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds, and stealing public property.
He was arrested in Arkansas on Friday (local time) and now faces extradition to Washington DC.
Jeff Rosen, Acting US Attorney General, said the pictures of Barnett with his feet on Pelosi’s desk were “repulsive”.
“Those who are proven to have committed criminal acts during the storming of the Capitol will face justice,” he said.
In total, five people died during the riots, including police officer Brian Sicknick who was responding to the fracas.
Pelosi is among those calling for those responsible for the officer’s death to be brought to justice with a murder investigation now underway.
With Reuters
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